CONNECTION

The hospice nurse and I went out to admit, “Betty”, ninety years old to our program.  Only a moment after we walked into her home, she had us laughing with her humor.  Sarcastic humor makes me laugh so hard as you tease another on their strengths.  It is not hurtful at all.  

Betty did not look or act her age at all.  She was so young at heart.  She had a very realistic attitude about life, but with such a positive perception about life.  She focused on the good in her life.  We had each other laughing throughout the visit.  It always amazes me how many patients and families use humor to cope when dealing with a terminal diagnosis.  Humor so takes the edge off. 

I will never forget Betty.  We instantly connected.  A very special lady for sure.

CONNECTION 

 

She had me laughing

the moment we walked in.

Her presentation was so lighthearted

allowing her sarcastic humor to easily flow.

 

She turned ninety years old

just a few months ago;

not showing her age at all;

as was so young at heart.

 

This is her third bout with breast cancer.

“The chemotherapy is not working at all”.

She has no fears or concerns, saying,

“I’ll keep going until there is no more”.

 

She has been so healthy most all of her life.

Still independent with the majority of her needs.

She is on no medications at all, saying,

“I will take a Tylenol now and then”.

 

When asked about spirituality, she stated,

“I do pray, but I have a lot of questions to ask Him”.

It was then when I spoke about my out-of-body experience.

“Thank you for sharing.  I needed to hear that”.

 

We hugged tightly as I was saying goodbye.

I then added, “I wish I lived next door”;

as she replied, “You are so terrific!”

Although we were together only 90 minutes,

our connection is with me forevermore.